Worcestershire Chess Association

Simultaneous Chess Exhibition by Keith Arkell

Champion downs 14 out of 16 without loss!

The English Chess Champion, Grandmaster Keith Arkell, played 14 strong opponents at The Conference Centre, University of Worcester on 16 May 2009. His opponents included strong county players as well as promising youngsters from Worcester Junior Chess Academy.

The Champion scored 12 victories and conceded two draws, both of them against players who have played top board for Worcestershire in recent years: Steve Mellor and Peter Kitson of Worcester City Chess Club.

Arkell contemplates positions against his strongest opponents

Keith (standing) contemplates his positions against Peter Kitson and Steve Mellor, his strongest opponents

Keith praised his opponents: "There were no easy games!" One of the earliest games to finish was Keith's win over Andy Moore, Chess Coach for Worcester Junior Academy. Andy played a queen's pawn opening slightly passively and was ambushed on the king's side.

Andy Moore concedes to Keith Arkell. Picture Ray Collett

Andy Moore (right) concedes to Keith Arkell (left). (Picture Ray Collett)

Moore, playing black has just moved 18...Bd7. Can you see Keith's devastating response?

Click here for all moves of the Arkell-Moore game.